Previous Educational Services 

From 1995 - 2018, Ms. Afrika Abney has provided educational services at a wide variety of venues in Washington, D.C. She uses her formal training and education in the arts to provide workshops and offer instruction. Ms. Abney possess a strong sense of artistry and forward-thinking, that is consistently displayed across all art pieces. She has developed great expertise in maintaining a productive classroom environment and emphasizing on student involvement in the learning process so that each student achieves the learning objectives.

Ms. Abney is a recipient of the Young Artist Grant from the DC Commissions on the Arts and Humanities in 2003 and the recipient of the Arts in Education Grant from the DC Commissions on the Arts and Humanities from 1995 - 1998. She has provided educational consulting services for numerous small businesses, community centers, and non profits. Some of them include The Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, D.C., Higher Achievement, Kingdom Kids Care, M.O.M.I.E.S TLC, Reading Partners, Center City PCS, DC International School - DCI, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Roda Movements, Mundo Verde Public Charter School, Young Playwrights' Theatre(YPT), and Young Women's Drumming Empowerment (YWDEP).

MUNDO VERDE PCS

"Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School is Washington's first "green" public charter school." It was originally located in Ward 1.

Gloria Quirarte

Gloria Quirarte supervises the implementation of quality enrichment for Before & After School Programs, as well as for school-wide special programming. Prior to Mundo Verde, she worked for five years as Director of Operations at Multicultural Community Services in DC. She was also Executive Assistant to the Director at CentroNía for three years, Project Director at the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and Program Specialist for Hispanas Unidas in San Antonio Texas. Gloria obtained her master's in social cultural anthropology from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and has a bachelor's in political science from Swarthmore College.

Juan Samperio

"Experienced Spanish Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Intercultural Communication, English as a Second Language (ESL), Event Planning, and Lesson Planning. Strong education professional undergraduate from UNLV and Graduate student of the iSchool, Syracuse University."

Andrea Molina

"Bilingual educador from El Salvador, currently teaching at Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School, Washington's first "green" school. The school is dedicated to educating young people to become global stewards in an increasingly complex world. I graduated with summa cum laude honors from College Of the Atlantic in 2013 with a BA in Human Ecology."

Victor G. Martinez

"He is currently in his third year as a third grade teacher at Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Martinez is from Downey, CA and received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis and his graduate degree from the University of Southern California. It was during these years that Mr. Martinez became interested in the education of students like me. He worked as an undergraduate and graduate researcher, undergraduate peer advisor, high school college advisor, and interned as a middle school counselor. Mr. Martinez moved to D.C. to conduct education and behavioral health research before transitioning back into the school setting (best decision of his life). After a year and a half as a teacher fellow, he became a real life teacher.

My work in education focuses on supporting the academic and social-emotional development of diverse students. This includes advocating for and implementing equitable school policies and practices that ensure opportunities for college, career, and life readiness. "

DC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

"DC International School is a public charter school in Washington, DC. It offers an IB education to students in grades 6 to 12. It is overseen by the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board." It was originally located in Ward 1.

Celia "CT" TaylorSpecial Education Teacher

"She was born and raised in the beautiful state of Kentucky and moved to Maryland in 2013. CT Taylor's teaching career began when she was chosen for Teach for America's DC Corps in 2013 and through TFA and George Mason University, CT Taylor received her master's degree and certification in special education. "

Maya Stewart

"After earning a degree in Communications from Arcadia University in 2009, she began working as an English teacher in the DC area."

Jorge Arana

"Jorge Arana was born in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico and he has lived in the United States since 1995. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri Valley College (MVC) and later joined Lasallian Volunteers Program where he served as an educator and community organizer for San Miguel School in Chicago, Illinois. Educating and advocating on behalf of young persons has been a central component of all of Mr. Arana's work throughout his academic and professional life.

After a couple years of service, he returned to the Academy to pursue and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Christian Brothers University. Mr. Arana has been an educator since 2009 in Chicago, Memphis, and the District of Columbia area. Mr. Arana has taught a wide range of academic subjects which include: Mathematics, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Mr. Arana has also served as an advisor, Spanish and academic tutor, and sports coach.

He is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Hispanic Literature and Cultures with aspirations to continue his studies until he earns his doctoral degree."

HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT SUMMER CAMP ACADEMY

Higher Achievement is "where talent and opportunity meet to launch lifelong success."

Samuel H. Dodson IV

"A Father to a wonderfully creative and joyous 4-year-old son. A husband of 14 years to a loving and supportive wife. A lifetime learner an artist, and a teacher of the craft for nearly 20 years.

Art is a huge part of my life inside and outside of school, so I feel blessed to be able to share my passion and knowledge with the students here at DCI.

Mr. Dodson graduated from Denison University in 1998 with a Bachelor's Degree, and served as a founding member of the teaching staff at Hyde Leadership Public Charter School. After 8 years in the classroom, he took on more leadership opportunities with Higher Achievement as the Ward 6, and Kramer Achievement Centers for 10 years. Now, Mr. Dodson is in his 3rd year at DCI teaching art, and feeling at home in this awesome community."?

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS' THEATRE (YPT)

Young Playwrights' Theater (YPT) "inspires young people to realize the power of their own voices. The only professional theater in Washington, DC dedicated entirely to arts education, YPT engages local students in an innovative, standards-based playwriting program then produces the student plays with professional theater artists on stages around the District." - yptdc.org

"Laurie helps manage and support teams who work with DC educators, school leaders, community-based and systems-level actors to effectively and equitably engage families in student success. She helps to design, refine and maintain systems and structures to support our teacher, school, and district partnerships to meet the complex ongoing needs of students and families.Laurie believes that improving our society as a whole begins with providing every child with a high-quality education, and that in order to achieve this, a focus on equity is necessary.

Prior to joining Flamboyan, Laurie was a Research Assistant with the Neuro-Education Initiative at the Johns Hopkins School of Education. She earned a Master of Education with a concentration in Urban Education from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to graduate school, she spent the first six years of her career as a Program Manager at Young Playwrights' Theater, a nationally recognized arts education non-profit in Washington, D.C. She has also worked in various capacities with the Kennedy Center, Imagination Stage, Arena Stage, and Roundhouse Theater. Laurie holds B.A.s in English, Theater Arts, and Education from Stonehill College.

Laurie lives in Takoma Park, MD with her husband and their cat."

"Nicole Jost has been affiliated with Young Playwrights' Theater since 2002 when she was a sophomore at Wilson High School. In September of 2007 the YPT Wire profiled her work as a college intern, teaching the summer playwriting class at Bell Multicultural High School. This past fall YPT was thrilled to have Nicole join its team as Program Assistant. She works with associate director Patrick Torres to administer YPT's programs serving over 500 students throughout DC.

Nicole's presence at YPT is a gift," says Patrick Torres. "Not only is she an accomplished writer, director and teacher in her own right, but she also serves as an example to our students of what they could be."

Nicole taught during the fall at Plummer Elementary and Capital City Public Charter School. "I've been very fortunate to witness playwriting take hold in my students. I've seen them completely shift their perception of what writing is," she says. "My students at Plummer Elementary School became really excited every time they got out paper and pen. They took ownership of their work, and found a space for imagination in the medium. It was beautiful."

Nicole plans to start her own theater company, where artists will work as an ensemble to create new work. For now, she's pleased to be back in her hometown of Washington, DC. She recently directed One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at her alma mater, Wilson High School."

DANCE INSTITUTE OF WASHINGTON (DIW)

"Developing talent and broadening horizons one child at a time. Through intentional inclusion and equity, the Dance Institute of Washington increases diversity at every level of pre-professional Ballet training. We provide additional training in key genres to create a well-rounded dancer that can successfully enter the dance industry at large. Through this exemplary effort, DIW positively impacts racial and economic inequities in dance globally."

https://www.facebook.com/pg/danceinstitute/about/

MENTORS OF MINORITIES IN EDUCATION (M.O.M.I.E)'S TOTAL LEARNING CIS-TEM (T.L.C)

Mentors of Minorities in Education (M.O.M.I.E)'s Total Learning Cis-tem (T.L.C) provides dynamic and innovative educational programming for at-risk children, ages 4 to 15, living in Washington, DC. The mission of M.O.M.I.E's T.L.C is to nurture children's genius and develop a transformative system to improve educational outcomes. M.O.M.I.E's achieves this through high quality and culturally relevant out-of-school-time programs, parent and community involvement, and the creation of educational tools and resources. M.O.M.I.E's TLC operates programs at sites based in Ward 4 and 1.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/momiestlc

Chitra Subramanian is the founder of chitra.MOVES, which she created in 2018. This collective of diverse female dancers performs a fusion of hip hop and Indian dance. Based in Washington D.C., chitra.MOVES has performed in many venues in the Northeast and presented its first evening-length work, Temple, in December 2019. Subramanian currently works as a manager at Lee Montessori Public Charter School. She was formerly the director of M.O.M.I.E.S TLC Summer Camp held in 2015.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/chitramove/about/

YOUNG WOMEN'S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT

Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project "gives rise to young women's self-esteem, positive development, and creative self expression through drumming and more."

In 2015, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project presented a Summer Camp at All Souls Church.

"KRISTEN ARANT is a percussionist, vocalist, teaching artist and activist living and working in the Washington, DC region. Originally a classically-trained oboe player with a degree in music, she began her drumming career upon moving to Washington DC in 2000, when she helped initiate the activist drumming ensemble Rhythm Workers Union, known for its hand-built drum cart the "MotherDrumShip," and its legions of drummers who created a spectacle at hundreds of protests, rallies and events through 2007. Enthralled by the healing and unifying power of the Djembe drum, Kristen began to study West African drumming in 2002. She spent time with masters such as Baile McKnight, Mamady Keita and Tammi Hessen. In 2004 she began teaching drumming at DC public schools, and through these experiences discovered how the drum could transform the self esteem of young people and help them to become self-actualized. In 2005 she started a DC non-profit organization, the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, which enrolled young women ages 12 and up from across DC, taught them how to play West African drums, and guided them through poetry, song-writing, theatre and dance workshops that culminated in final performances. These performance showcases "wowed" communities across DC as they witnessed young women coming of age via drumming - an innovative Rite of Passage."

JOY OF MOTION DANCE CENTER (H STREET -- ATLAS AND FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS LOCATION)

Joy of Motion Dance Center "is non-profit charitable organization founded in 1976, Joy of Motion Dance Center has since developed into the "the area's most comprehensive dance institution" (Washington Post), engaging 60 faculty members and teaching artists, providing more than 400 weekly classes, and drawing nearly 9,000 unique students and artists annually to three studio locations (in two Wards of DC and in Bethesda, MD). With more than 40 years of history in the District, Joy of Motion has become the hub of a vast artistic community, committed to excellence both in high-level training and community-based arts experiences.

At Joy of Motion, Dance is for Everyone! Whether you love to dance, are a lover of the art form presented on stage, or support an emerging dancer, there is a place for you in Joy of Motion's dance family. Joy of Motion is committed to building strong, healthy communities of people who share a universal love of dance by challenging those served to reach their fullest potential, fostering authentic interpersonal connections, creating spaces for all to participate, and pursuing the highest standards of quality at all levels of dance education and performance."

joyofmotion.org

Tanya Nuchols

Tanya Nuchols "is a dance fitness instructor certified in Barre Body, Zumba, Piyo and Pound. She currently teaches at several studios including Studio Body Logic and Joy of Motion Dance Center. Growing up, she trained in ballet, jazz and modern at Arlington Center for Dance and currently enjoys training in a wide variety of international styles from ballroom to bellydancing. Dance-based fitness keeps her motivated to stay active and loves to lead others in keeping exercise engaging and creative."

Sylvana Juliet Christopher

Sylvana Christopher "is a D.C. native, performer, choreographer and teaching artist. She is committed to bringing dance into people's lives as a means for expressing the inner self through physical motion. Her choreographic work has graced several spaces including The National Museum of African Arts, Museum of the Americas, The Phillips Collection, Jack Guidone Theater, The Atlas Performing Arts Center, Gallaudet University, Howard Community College and The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. With several choreographers and musicians, she presented 5 by 5 in 2016 at St. Columba's Church.

Christopher believes in building community through dancemaking and used that belief to co-found Glade Dance Collective in 2009 with dance advocate Betsy Loikow as well as Dancing Rogues with Sara Herrera and Hayley Cutler. A graduate of The Washington School of Ballet, Christopher earned a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography from The Ohio State University in 2002 and her diaspora research extends to the Caribbean, France and Senegal. She has performed with Open Circle Theater, In Series and danced works by Michelle Ava, Meisha Bosma, Holly Bass, Lucy Bowen McCauley, Rita Jean Kelly Burns, Nancy Havlik, Kate Jordan, Kelly King, Assane Konte, Sarah Ewing, Gesel Mason, Natty McCube, Erica Rebollar, Juan Carlos Rincones, Melissa Saint Amour, Samantha Sobash, Erin Tunbridge and Cynthia Word.

SylviDances recently premiered 3 dances at Baltimore Theater Project in 2018: ash, a response to her fear of nuclear winter, Charades with DancEthos about volleys between dominant world leaders, and Who by Joan Nicholas-Walker reflecting on the many roles a woman plays in her lifetime. Then She Fell, created by Maggie Lockhart and Christopher for 5 by 5, was reset on Howard Community College Dance Company and selected for Dance Place's New Releases Choreographic Showcase.

You can catch Sylvana teaching for Joy of Motion Dance Center Atlas, The Washington Ballet @THEARC, Word Dance Theater at Dance Loft on 14, and Rainbow Dance with Inner City, Inner Child. She has also taught for Wolf Trap, City Dance, Washington Performing Arts, Dance Place and Sitar Arts Center."

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Designed, directed and coordinated successful educational and arts programs for adults and children, including long-term before and after school events.

Recipient of the Young Artist Grant from the DC Commissions on the Arts and Humanities in 2003

Recipient of the Arts in Education Grant from the DC Commissions on the Arts and Humanities from 1995 - 1998

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Hands-on experience in providing education to students for visual arts, dance and poetry.

Thorough knowledge of art education principles and youth development.

Excellent knowledge of designing and implementing curriculum.

Ability to resolve various issues effectively.

Ability to coordinate with children and youth for teaching process.

Trained art and dance professional.

Solid understanding of English language.

Coordinated, designed and implemented workshops for children, youth and adults in visual arts, dance and poetry.

Ability to plan ahead, anticipate and articulate teaching program.

Education

Bell Multicultural High School - 1993

Corcoran School of the Arts - 1997

SELECTED EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

ARTS SPECIALIST. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, Washington, D.C. June 20, 2018 - July 25, 2018. Plan and present visual arts classes for students of varying backgrounds and abilities , create a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; and prepare and disseminate a weekly report for the Program Manager, Justin Love.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. DC International School, Washington, D.C. 2016 - 2017. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.

WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)

SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.

SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.

AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.

Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.

SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER. Higher Achievement, Washington, DC - Metro. July 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013 (Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus); and 2003-2004 (Bruce Monroe Elementary School). Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th - 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 - 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

STUDENT SUCCESS COACH. Center City Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. October 2013-December 2013. Responsibilities included tutoring individuals or small group of students; uphold the school's behavior policy; and providing assistant with various extended learning program activities as needed.

AFFILIATED TEACHING ARTIST. Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Washington, DC. October 2012 - May 2013.Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities , integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager, Laurie Ascoli.

READING TUTOR.Reading Partners, Washington, D.C. January 2013 through May 2013.Provided specialized instruction and academic assistance to students in 3rd through 5th grade, using the Reading Partners program and curriculum.

SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.

Greetings,

I have known Ms. Afrika Abney for several years. I first met her at Malcolm X Park where she conducted the drum and dance circle from 2009 - 2015. I hired Ms. Abney to serve as my West African Dance instructor for my Summer Camp that took place at M.O.M.I.E.S TLC during the Summer of 2015. She demonstrated a high level of punctuality and dedication towards teaching a small group of children West African dance. Ms. Abney interacted and engaged each of the children.

She is a Native of D.C., high school and college graduate, and single mom. Ms. Abney is also an amazing person, trained art and dance professional. Her passion for authentic African - American culture is unbelievable. Ms. Abney uses her formal training in the arts to conduct workshops, career day presentations, and offer instruction to children and youth in the community, as well as provide consulting services.

I highly recommend Ms. Abney.

Should you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you very much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

Cordially,

Chitra Subramanian

September 17, 2018

Greetings,

I first met Ms. Afrika Abney when I hired her as a staff member at my old campus at Bruce Monroe Elementary School for my Summer Program from 2003 - 2004; and in 2013 at my old campus at Center City Capitol Hill Middle School for my Summer Program. She taught a group of middle school and lower school students in visual art. She created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for the summer program, specific to lower grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including illustration.

Ms. Abney is a trained art professional. She has a special interest in painting, collage and mask design, and photography. Ms. Abney is capable of teaching various subjects such as abstract, oil, and watercolor painting, collage design and charcoal sketching.

Should you have any questions or wish to speak with me directly.

I highly recommend Ms. Abney as a teaching artist, art professional, art instructor, community advocate and leader.

Thank you for your time and consideration in advance. I hope to hear from you.

Cordially,

Mr. Sam Dodson

Art Teacher

DC International School